Absurdly early mock: Week 7

Clowney reclaims the top spot

Jadeveon Clowney has had his ups and downs in recent weeks. His toughness, drive and production have all been questioned.

Clowney returned to the field Saturday against Arkansas after sitting out the game against Kentucky. Clowney didn’t make a major impact, but he’s on the field playing through bone spurs in his ankle and an injured rib.

The primary reason Clowney returned to the top of the board is that the team with the dubious honor of having the No. 1 pick needs a pass rusher. The Giants could certainly consider a QB with their first selection since Eli Manning turns 33 early next year. But in the past the team has been built on defense and specifically the ability to pressure QBs — something it hasn’t done this season. Enter Clowney.

On to this week’s mock draft, based on the projected order from the latest NFL standings:

1. Giants
Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina

2. Jaguars
Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon

3. Buccaneers
Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville

4. Rams (from WASH)
Anthony Barr, LB UCLA

5. Vikings
Brett Hundley, QB UCLA

6. Falcons
Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M

7. Steelers
Cyrus Kouandjio, OT Alabama

8. Bills
Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson

9. Raiders
Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan

10. Texans
Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M

11. Panthers
Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M

12. Eagles
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB Oregon

13. Jets
Marqise Lee, WR USC

14. Titans
Louis Nix III, DT Notre Dame

15. Cardinals
Antonio Richardson, OT Tennessee

16. Browns
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE Washington

17. Rams
Lache Seastrunk, RB Baylor

18. Ravens
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S Alabama

19. Chargers
Jason Verrett, CB TCU

20. Packers
CJ Mosley, LB Alabama

21. Dolphins
Cedric Ogbuehi, OT Texas A&M

22. Cowboys
Anthony Johnson, DT LSU

23. Lions
Louchiez Purifoy, CB Florida

24. Bears
Ra’Shede Hageman, DT Minnesota

25. 49ers
Khalil Mack, LB Buffalo

26. Bengals
Ryan Shazier, LB Ohio State

27. Browns (via IND)
Zach Mettenberger, QB LSU

28. Seahawks
Seantral Henderson, OT Miami

29. Patriots
Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina

30. Chiefs
Stephon Tuitt, DE Notre Dame

31. Saints
Travis Swanson, C Arkansas

32. Broncos
Vic Beasley, DE Clemson

*Draft order was determined by current record and strength of schedule. Miami and New Orleans were adjusted to fill out official draft order per the current playoff picture.

Why did Marcus Mariota leapfrog Teddy Bridgewater as the top QB selected? Both Mariota and Bridgewater were in the national spotlight this past week. Whereas Bridgewater struggled to a degree under the bright lights, Mariota excelled. And it goes beyond one performance for each. Bridgewater may be the most polished signal caller in the nation, but Mariota clearly has the most upside. The Oregon QB has the best combination of size, athleticism and passing ability among his contemporaries. Mariota took the next step against Washington by overcoming adversity and passing the football with tremendous touch and vision. As a result, the argument can be made Mariota should-be the top-rated QB in this draft class.